Redwood Creek: Top 25 Picnic Destinations

		DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN: Romance in Bloom
		THE SETTING If your idea of the perfect picnic is to settle on an exquisitely manicured lawn, surrounded by a stunning assortment of exotic trees, bushes and flowers that would put Martha Stewart's gardening skill to shame, this is the place. Located on the city's White Lake, in sight of the urban landscape, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden's 66 acres also include beautiful fountains, sculptures and historic mansions. The only problem you'll have is deciding where to spread your blanket. Will it be near the sculpture garden at the DeGolyer house, a Spanish Colonial-style mansion featuring an ornamental garden? Or will you lunch on the grounds of one of the spectacular gardens? There is the Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden, planted with some 2,000 varieties of azaleas; A Woman's Garden, a formal Mediterranean-style balustrade that includes a poetry garden and a reflecting pool; the Lyda Hunt Paseo de Flores garden, which bursts with seasonal plantings of tulips, daffodils and chrysanthemums; and the Sunken Garden, a popular spot for weddings. Whatever spot you choose, you're guaranteed a lovely backdrop and the heavenly aroma of flowers all around you.
		WHAT TO SEE AND DO After a picnic and a stroll along the tranquil gardens, take a tour of the Spanish Colonial DeGolyer House, built around 1940. The mansion's property includes several gardens, woodlands, a hacienda and an attached greenhouse. Also, take a look at the exterior of Camp House, which was built in 1938 and features an extraordinary combination of Latin Colonial, English Regency, Tudor and Art Deco architecture. Although the home is not open for tours (it is now the headquarters for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society), it may be rented for weddings and special occasions. If you'd like to learn more about flowers and gardening, take advantage of the Arboretum's education programs. For kids, the society offers the Texas Wildlife Discovery Hunt and other fun learning adventures. Adults can participate in nature lectures, demonstrations and lectures on everything from how to grow perfect roses to cultivating a beautiful southern-style garden in your own backyard.
		HOT TIPS Wouldn't you know, all this beauty comes with a small price. The society would rather you didn't pick any of their beloved plants or flowers, nor climb on any of their trees or walk in the garden beds. Butterflies, birds, squirrels, insects and other park creatures should be respected, too. Because the gardens are so fragile, active sports like rollerblading, or games like Frisbee, are not permitted on the grounds. Picnickers are not allowed to build campfires or cook outside, and radios should kept at a low volume. If you'd like to take a house tour, call ahead to make a reservation.
		PHOTO OPS The Arboretum is the perfect place for picture taking. After you've photographed all the blossoms and greenery surrounding you - and that could take all day - head to the north side of DeGolyer house and the entrance to the Sunken Garden. There you'll find the oldest tree in the Arboretum, a 200-year-old pecan variety. Another nice shot is of Magnolia Allee, featuring two roles of southern magnolia trees planted in 1940. Back at DeGolyer House, you'll find plenty of photo ops around the mansion's extensive property - pay special attention to the original entry gage (preserved as an entry garden) carved in the form of ammonite fossils.
		LOCAL SPECIALTIES The pecan is Texas' state tree, and in the spirit of those planted in the Arboretum, sprinkle some in a salad or bring along some sweet pecan pie. The state dish is chili, so why not pack some vegetarian style for your outdoor feast?